Maps and Geographic Charts Without Distortion
Choropleths, symbol maps, and their traps.
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Plan a map visualization. Data (geographic unit, value, population or area): [DATA_DESCRIPTION]. Message: [MESSAGE]. Audience and medium: [AUDIENCE_AND_MEDIUM]. Tools: [MAPPING_TOOLS]. Produce a decision path: 1. Is a map needed, or would a sorted bar chart answer the question better? List three questions where a map earns its place and three where it does not. 2. If the values are counts, normalize them (per 1,000 people or per square kilometer) before using a choropleth; give the formula and the data you need. Counts on a choropleth mostly show where people live. 3. Classification: equal intervals, quantiles, natural breaks, or a manual scheme; show how the choice changes the story and recommend one with the number of classes (usually 4 to 7). 4. Color: sequential or diverging palette suited to color-blind readers. 5. Alternatives: proportional symbols, cartograms, and hexagon grids, and when each is better. 6. Projection and boundaries: why the projection matters for area comparisons and where to get legal boundaries [VERIFY terms of use]. 7. Small areas and privacy: suppress or aggregate cells with very few people. 8. Code outline in [MAPPING_TOOLS] and a caption template.
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